Homes with quick commute to downtown Phx (Phoenix, Mesa: estate, gated)

[nathan]

Hi folks.. Me and my wife currently commute from Gilbert to downtown Phoenix for work. We are contemplating a move to Phoenix to minimize our drive time. We checked out Laveen but came away not being very impressed. My general impression of Phoenix is a mix of run down neighborhoods and some very affluent neighborhoods. We are looking for family-oriented neighborhoods which are safe, with a good school district, that are affordable (we are looking to spend $350k) and from where we can get to downtown in less than 30 minutes. Can you folks suggest some neighborhoods that might work for us? Also, are homes in these areas extremely old homes that need a lot of upkeep? Thx.

[june]

Originally Posted by nathan

Hi folks.. Me and my wife currently commute from Gilbert to downtown Phoenix for work. We are contemplating a move to Phoenix to minimize our drive time. We checked out Laveen but came away not being very impressed. My general impression of Phoenix is a mix of run down neighborhoods and some very affluent neighborhoods. We are looking for family-oriented neighborhoods which are safe, with a good school district, that are affordable (we are looking to spend $350k) and from where we can get to downtown in less than 30 minutes. Can you folks suggest some neighborhoods that might work for us? Also, are homes in these areas extremely old homes that need a lot of upkeep? Thx.

My aunt lives in north scottsdale and works in downtown phx. she says it takes her 30 minutes to get to work thats without traffic. And the scottsdale area is beautiful. if you really look hard you could probuably get something right now in scottsdale for 350-400 price range.People that have to move will come down in price. Good luck.

[AksarbeN]

You might want to look in north Phoenix – north of Thunderbird Rd. and the N. Mt. area with an easy commute on 7th Street (bus or car) into downtown Phx. Also anyplace along the route 51 near the mountain preserves are nice areas, and the 51 will take you into the city very nicely. I’m thinking of Shea and the 51 area.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by AksarbeN

You might want to look in north Phoenix – north of Thunderbird Rd. and the N. Mt. area with an easy commute on 7th Street (bus or car) into downtown Phx. Also anyplace along the route 51 near the mountain preserves are nice areas, and the 51 will take you into the city very nicely. I’m thinking of Shea and the 51 area.

You know I grew up in that general area, went to school near 51 and Shea, and have always loved that area. But, I was driving around there over the weekend and just had a distaste in my mouth. I drove all over, thunderbird, greenway, bell, and unionhills. I just didn't like it all anymore. I always held that area up high on my list (even higher than where I live now-not anymore!) and finally realized that that area is not what it used to be. It's going down hill, crappy neighborhoods, crappy teenage drivers (esp near PV high, my rival school).

Now right off of 51 and Shea there are a couple of streets that I like. My bestfriend lives there, too, and it is a great location to get downtown. You have to have some money. Most homes over $300-350 and up are nice, more are around $400-500k and up.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by june

My aunt lives in north scottsdale and works in downtown phx. she says it takes her 30 minutes to get to work thats without traffic. And the scottsdale area is beautiful. if you really look hard you could probuably get something right now in scottsdale for 350-400 price range.People that have to move will come down in price. Good luck.

You can find a condo in North Scottsdale for that price range, but that's it. But if you want a house they start above $400k.

[ethurston]

We live in Gilbert too and my husband commutes to downtown. It's a bear and I can easily see why you would want to move. Anywhere close to downtown has some options, you just have to accept that with a few miles (or closer) it's not so nice. But you can pick a nice surrounding community. Does that make sense? Specifically I'm thinking of just west of Encanto there is a really nice community. Now homes right next to Encanto park are really really expensive but if you just cross 19th Ave there is a really nice older community that is well taken care of, more affordable, and has a great public school in the center. My sister lives there with her son. She takes walks with her son in the stroller and enjoys the area a lot. And what a short commute!

If you still can't find anything, there are some areas in Laveen that are quite nice and the fact is that it's still building and appreciating nicely. The gated Bouganvillea community is really nice and the Trailside Point community is nice with the new school.

Now if neither of these work out for you, like if you check the crime stats and your spouse says no way, the way mine did, you might check out North Mesa. By being along the 202, you can cut some time off not having to go North/South. I know of one hidden gem in there, Candlelight Estates, that is just great, check out Moderator cut: Realtor Site . Good luck!

[nathan]

Thanks a lot folks. This is very helpful. We will look around 51/Shea as well as the Encanto area. Ethurston, do you have a zip code for the area near Encanto? I appreciate the input.

[ethurston]

Nathan, if you search by zip code you'll find a lot of undesirable areas. Instead search by the school, Marie Bartlett "Heard Elementary". Even if you don't have kids, being in that school district is going to be the major factor on the resale side. So right from the get go, you want to make sure you're in that district. I did a quick check and there are quite a few options in your price range. I will send you a private message with more info, if you're interested. If not, no biggie, best of luck to you!

[a&i]

In 44 North/Thunderbird I have a house for sale (350,000), worth more than 400, but we are out of city and want to sell it. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathr,RV garage, pool, spa, gazebo, covered porch, brand new kitchen and appliances, remodeled bathroom, fireplace. Let me know if interested. 5 minutes from 51 and 10 minutes from 101. Tell you frankly, I feel sorry we left that house.

A.
If interested, I send you my email.